U.S. President Donald Trump has declared a 125% tariff on China, set to take effect immediately. In the same statement, he also authorized a 90-day pause on tariffs for countries outside of China, with a 10% reciprocal tariff applicable during this period. This move has attracted considerable attention, signaling a shift in his trade policy approach.
In response, Beijing imposed an 84% import tariff after Trump had raised tariffs on Chinese goods to the U.S. by 104%.
Trump stated:
“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately. At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable.”
He further explained:
“Conversely, and based on the fact that more than 75 Countries have called Representatives of the United States, including the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and the USTR, to negotiate a solution to the subjects being discussed relative to Trade, Trade Barriers, Tariffs, Currency Manipulation, and Non Monetary Tariffs, and that these Countries have not, at my strong suggestion, retaliated in any way, shape, or form against the United States, I have authorized a 90-day PAUSE, and substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately. Thank you for your attention to this.”
This move marks a significant shift in Trump’s trade policy, highlighting his strategy to counteract what he sees as unfair practices from China while extending a temporary reprieve for other nations.
